Vanuatu's proud customs and national identity were celebrated last week as Motueka's ni-Van community marked the nation's 46th Independence Day.
A national holiday in Vanuatu commemorating independence from joint British and French colonial rule, 30 July is traditionally celebrated with parades, music, dancing and feasting.
About 70 members of Motueka's local ni-Van community gathered at the Recreation Centre for official proceedings, followed by volleyball, futsal and a barbecue lunch.
A huge, splendidly-decorated chocolate cake - itself almost the size of a small island nation - helped round off the celebrations in style.
